The coach of the No. 1 girls high school soccer team in New Jersey has been suspended after popping champagne on school grounds following a milestone victory.
Paul VI coach Karen Anderson will serve a one-game ban after a video was posted on social media showing her celebrating with what appeared to be a champagne bottle following her 100th career victory Thursday, according to NJ.com .
Paul VI, the two-time defending state champions, defeated Notre Dame, 2-0, in the South Jersey Non-Public A quarterfinals. Anderson will serve her suspension when Paul VI (21-1) faces Immaculata (14-4-1) in a sectional semifinal matchup on Monday in Haddonfield.
Karen Anderson was suspended for one playoff game after alleged champagne celebration. Karen Patruno Anderson/Facebook
"While Coach Anderson did not consume the contents of the bottle, Paul VI does not condone this behavior and recognizes the importance of upholding the standards of conduct expected of our coaches," Paul VI said Friday in a statement.
The video has since been deleted from social media, and Anderson told the news outlet that she did not drink from the bottle that team parents gave her after the game.
"I'm not surprised that it is coming to light given our success," Anderson said in a phone interview with NJ.com "It's really unfortunate that there are people out there looking for an opportunity to ruin all the hard work that I've put into this program.
"There sure are a lot of people that would look for a target to take an opportunity. It's really unfortunate that somebody will find that one opportunity to jump on and try to take down everything that you have put into this."
The school worked with the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, the state's governing body for high school sports, before announcing the one-game ban.
Karen Anderson will miss the semifinal game. Karen Patruno Anderson/Facebook
The NJSIAA "strictly prohibits coaches and players from being involved with alcohol during or after games on school property, with violations carrying a one-year suspension from tournament play and possible sanctions that could deny championship rights," NJ.com reported.
There, typically, were strong opinions in both directions over the suspension on X, with users opposing the decision calling it ridiculous, asinine and pathetic.
"Another absolutely pathetic punishment," one user wrote . "NJSIAA is one of the most embarrassing organizations around. Ran by a bunch of (clown emoji) who like their authority rather than common sense best interest. Should there be alcohol on school property? No. Should there be an exception to the rule, yes."
Paul VI High School Paul VI High School/Facebook
Others defended the suspension, calling it well-deserved for setting a bad example.
"Totally deserved," another user wrote . "First, of all, get over yourself coach. 2nd, any idiot knows not to bring alcohol onto school property. Probably should be more than 1 game."
Others understood both sides of the argument.
"Should she be suspended, probably not. It's a bad look for high school coach, though," another user wrote . "It is also dumb that she chose to celebrate herself rather than celebrate the players."
Paul VI is currently the top-ranked team in NJ.com's statewide rankings and is ranked No. 16 nationally in the United Soccer Coaches poll.
